Hardware Virtualization must be enabled in the system BIOS/UEFI. Step-by-Step Installation Guide
While the Windows Subsystem for Android is a powerful feature, it does have some limitations and challenges:
Setting up WSA involves enabling the necessary Windows components and installing the underlying platform. Step 1: Enable Virtualization
While the platform natively partnered with the Amazon Appstore for distribution, users worldwide can deploy the environment directly through the Microsoft Store or utilize customized AOSP packages available via open-source repositories like GitHub. Search for "Windows Subsystem for Android" or "Amazon Appstore" in the Microsoft Store to trigger the automated installation. Advanced Management: Sideloading and Custom Storefronts
Scroll down and check the box next to . Click OK and restart your computer when prompted. Step 3: Install the Subsystem via Amazon Appstore Open the Microsoft Store . Search for Amazon Appstore . windows subsystem for android
Windows Phone Link allows streaming Android apps directly from a physical phone to a PC over Wi‑Fi. The apps run on the phone and are mirrored to the computer, appearing in separate windows and pinning to Start or the taskbar. This approach requires an Android phone running Android 11 or newer and offers the most compatible app experience since apps run on actual hardware. However, performance depends on network quality, the phone screen must remain on, and it is not suitable for gaming.
Click . This process automatically downloads and configures the Windows Subsystem for Android background files. Sideloading Android APKs manually
: Apps appeared in the Start menu and taskbar like regular Windows software.
WSA bridges the user experience between two distinct operating systems through several key integrations: Hardware Virtualization must be enabled in the system
Fluidly transitions between phone layouts, tablet layouts, and full-screen desktop views. Disadvantages
Note the IP address displayed under this section (e.g., 127.0.0.1:58526 ). 2. Connect via ADB
At its peak, WSA was a marvel of interoperability. It used a lightweight virtual machine—a modern iteration of Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL)—to run the Android Open Source Project (AOSP) stack.
Download the official platform-tools package from the Android Developer website. Search for "Windows Subsystem for Android" or "Amazon
In October 2021, Microsoft unveiled Windows Subsystem for Android (WSA), a feature that allowed users to run Android applications directly on Windows 11 without traditional emulators. Available through the Amazon Appstore, WSA aimed to expand the Windows ecosystem by bridging mobile and desktop experiences. While Microsoft officially ended support on March 5, 2025, the technology remains significant for understanding how Android integration evolved on Windows and continues to be relevant through community-driven alternatives.
Android apps supported snap layouts, resizing, and running in the background.
With WSA no longer supported, users seeking to run Android apps on Windows 11 have several alternatives [HP]: